Dads Army - Complete DVD Box Set

No. of Discs: 14 DVDs
Age: G
Format: Region 2 / UK / PAL

RRP: £99.99

Best Price: £28.49

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Running from 1968 to 1977, Dad’s Army was one of Britain’s longest running sitcoms, and one of its most popular. Created and scripted by Jimmy Perry and David Croft (who went on to do It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and ‘Allo ‘Allo) the show follows a shambolic Home Guard platoon during the Second World War in the fictional coastal town of Walmington-on-Sea – the Home Guard being the last line of defence against German invasion.

The platoon is a ragtag group of part-timers, a mix of ageing shopkeepers, war veterans and those unable to fight on the frontlines, led by Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), a pompous bank manager with a Napoleon complex. The ensemble of characters is perfectly realised with Wilson (John Le Mesurier) remaining calm and unruffled, Jones (Clive Dunn – who was actually ‘aged-up’ for the role) reminding everyone “don’t panic” and the sickly Pike (Ian Lavender) frequently the brunt of Mainwaring’s favourite catchphrase – “you stupid boy.”

The comedy largely comes from Mainwaring’s desperate attempts to get these men fighting fit and ready to defend King and country. But without proper weapons or equipment the platoon are left to improvise and muddle along as best they can, much to the delight of Mainwaring’s rival, Warden Hodges (Bill Pertwee). Thankfully they’re rarely called into action, except in the famous episode The Deadly Attachment where they are tasked with guarding the crew of a German U-boat which includes the classic “What is your name?/Don’t tell him Pike” exchange.

Several of the early black & white episodes have sadly been lost but this collection boasts all 9 of the surviving episodes from series 1 & 2 plus all those from 3 to 9. Although the series is frequently repeated on TV this is a marvellous collection to have, beautifully capturing the British stiff upper lip during wartime.